Simon (Liam Ainsworth) had been ordered to throw acid at Joe Tate (Ned Porteous) at the request of Debbie who had paid him to do so as part of a revenge plot.

Ofcom received 228 complaints from viewers following Thursday’s instalment.

During the episode the soap received some praise on social media for reflecting attacks but producers were warned to be “true and fair” to victims of real life acid attacks.

@LeanneMcLough tweeted: “Emmerdale should be true on this storyline to be fair and real for all actual acid attack victims, it should not be glorified, Debbie organised it.”

@MrsKTTurner agreed, posting: “I hope emmerdale do this story justice and ross doesn’t recover in a few episodes as this would be laughing in the face of real victims.”

As for this #Emmerdale acid attack storyline… I don’t think it warranted the 200 odd offcom complaints to be honest AS LONG AS they handle it well which means that yes this is a current issue that needs representation but the attacker MUST be portrayed badly 👍🏻

Honestly don't get how people can complain about the use of acid attacks in #Emmerdale other than the time slot of it airing. It's a growing problem at the moment & thanks to the show I now know how to help someone involved in one.

@IamJess7 wrote: “If Debbie gets away with this without punishment it will do such a huge disservice to victims of these attacks. Acid attacks have life long consequences- Ross’ life has been turned upside down forever and for Debbie to get away with it would be disgusting.”

If Debbie gets away with this without punishment it will do such a huge disservice to victims of these attacks. Acid attacks have life long consequences- Ross' life has been turned upside down forever and for Debbie to get away with it would be disgusting. #Emmerdale

@HarryReidFP tweeted: “As for this #Emmerdale acid attack storyline… I don’t think it warranted the 200 odd offcom complaints to be honest AS LONG AS they handle it well which means that yes this is a current issue that needs representation but the attacker MUST be portrayed badly.”

An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: “Emmerdale has a long track record of tackling difficult and topical storylines and the unprovoked acid attack upon Ross is another example of this.

“We take our responsibility seriously when portraying what happens in these circumstances. Consequently, the storyline was researched thoroughly with medical experts at Pinderfields Hospital.

“For the sequence following Ross’s attack we adhered carefully to the NHS guidelines about how to help people who are the victim of an acid attack.

“We also specifically researched this story with one particular victim who felt it important to share what happened to him with the Emmerdale production team.”

The controversial storyline has been in the works for some time, with Parr confirming several months ago that an acid attack would be taking place.

Parr recently told Digital Spy: “It’s a big responsibility and one that I was very nervous about taking on. I know it’s a reality for some people and it’s so important to get it right and do the story justice.

“The Emmerdale team have done extensive research and we really want to raise awareness of the devastating consequences an attack like this has on a person’s life.”